In
June, the Loya Jirga, or grand council, elects U.S.-backed Hamid Karzai as interim
leader. Karzai chooses the members of his government who will serve until 2004,
when the government is required to organize elections.
2003
Amid
increased violence, NATO takes over security in Kabul in August. The effort is
the security organization's first-ever commitment outside of Europe.
January
2004
The
Loya Jirga adopts a new constitution following input from nearly 500,000 Afghans,
some of whom participate in public meetings in villages. The new constitution
calls for a president and two vice presidents, but the office of prime minister
is removed at the last minute. The official languages, according to the constitution,
are Pashto and Dari. Also, the new constitution calls for equality for women.
October
2004
Presidential
elections are held. More than 10.5 million Afghans register to vote and choose
among 18 presidential candidates, including interim leader Karzai. Karzai is elected
with 55 percent of the vote.
2005
The
nation holds its first parliamentary elections in more than 30 years. The peaceful
vote leads to the parliament's first meeting in December.
2006
Amid
continuing fighting between Taliban and al-Qaida fighters and the Afghan government
forces, NATO expands its peacekeeping operation to the southern portion of the
country. After the forces take over from American-led troops, Taliban fighters
launch a bloody wave of suicide attacks and raids against the international troops.